Silver Smithing Class

I took the hubby to a silver smithing class the other day at The Bead Place, which is an awesome bead and yarn store in Fairview Heights, IL. The class was taught by Ruth Leech.

I was a little afraid that he wouldn't have a good time during the class, but it involved playing with metal, tools and a small torch, so he had a great time. I did too, though the torch was a bit intimidating, even if it was a small torch. We used the torch to solder a decorative bezel onto a silver blank so that we could frame a cabochon onto it. It doesn't sound very involved, but there is a lot of precision and patience required. Especially when you're trying to get the little bits of solder to stay still when you're trying to melt it with the torch. I think we both did pretty good though. First is my cabochon, which has a girlier bezel on it. Apparently girlier doesn't mean easier to work with because those fine little designs on the bezel were kind of a pain to get lined up.

 Next up is the hubby's finished piece, which has a manlier touch to it that I really like.

 I can't really decide which one I like best. I think I like the time we got to spend with Ruth learning how to make these pieces. Now I just need to buy a bunch of soldering tools and get cooking.

If you would like to visit Ruth's website to check on future classes she will be teaching or on craft shows she will be attending, you can go to www.jewelrywithatwist.com or www.ruthleech.com.